BELHAVEN — The Town of Belhaven discussed the next steps to take regarding the purchase of road barricades in the event of flooding.

The road barricades would block off flooded areas for vehicles passing by and hopefully help reduce any further damage from large vehicles plowing through those areas, according to town Manager Woody Jarvis.

He said the barricades should also keep out-of-towners from coming to look at the flooding and causing damage to land with their vehicles, as was the case during flooding in early October.

Jarvis said in his research he found barricades approved for use by the North Carolina Department of Transportation for about $200 each and suggested that the town purchase 20 of them. The barricades Jarvis chose are one of the cheaper versions but are still expected to hold up over time, he said.

There is also a town ordinance in the works, which would give law enforcement the ability to ticket drivers who are found in blocked-off areas, excluding exceptions such as emergency vehicles, he said.

“We don’t have to buy all 20 of them at one time,” Jarvis said. “You have to have equipment that meets criteria.”

Mayor Adam O’Neal said at the meeting he is concerned about the town spending that much money.

“I don’t think we can afford to blow $5,300 on signs,” he said.

But Jarvis said the town has applied for a grant through Firehouse Subs, which would help with the cost. In response to another question from O’Neal, he said it wouldn’t be worthwhile to try to make the barricades on their own, as getting them up to standard would be just as costly.

“We’re certainly going to find money from other avenues if we can,” Jarvis said. “We’re hopeful that the grant will come through.”

Alderman Julian Goff made a motion, which the board approved, to table the decision on funds for the barricades until the town hears whether it will receive the grant money.

Jarvis said he thinks this investment is important for the town, as flooding will continue to be a problem in low-lying areas, and he will let the board know the outcome of the grant application.